Docs to refrain from private practice on June 18: BMA

Health Desk—May 29, 2017: Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) has decided to file a case in the High Court asking for security for doctors and medical institutions. The case would be filed on June 4, a press release said.

The decision was taken from an emergency meeting of Executive Council held at BMA head office on Sunday. Besides, the committee has taken decision to keep private practices stopped across the country on June 18 round the clock.

Mentionable that soon after Dhaka University student Afia Jahan Chaity died in the capital's Central Hospital on May 18, around a couple of hundred of her fellow students vandalised several rooms and equipment of the hospital and kept terrorising the entire facility until police reached there.

DU authorities filed a case with Dhanmondi Police Station on charges of "negligence in treatment" accusing nine doctors and officials of the hospital. A doctor, arrested that night got bail later, while others were bailed on May 22.

A deep concern was expressed in the meeting over the false case filed against nine doctors and vandalism in the hospital.

In the meeting, the following decisions and agendas were adopted unanimously.

It decided to wear black badges from Monday till day before leave of Eid-ul-Fitr, MBA leaders to sit in discussion with Health Minister, Home Minister and Education Minister on the ongoing issue, Press Conference to hold on May 30, Filing case on June 4, View exchange meeting of BMA Executive Committee with senior and young physicians, Demonstration of physicians of all divisional cities on June 6, Meeting with Prime Minister on June 7, Holding human chain in front of all healthcare institutions across the country from 12pm to 01pm on June 11, Private practice to remain stopped on June 18 across the country for round the clock.

All sorts of emergency healthcare services to remain open during the time, an extended meeting will be held at BMA auditorium with the participation of BMA presidents and general secretaries from all branches.